Since its inception in 2001, the International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) has been a geographically limited force addressing a problem that is not geographically constrained. ISAF operations were limited to Kabul initially. In 2003, the...
It is the enemy’s will to resist that is the true objective of war. Destruction of his armed forces is a means and not necessarily mandatory to achieve this objective. To save the precious resources of blood and treasure and to assure the...
The present state of tension between the United States and Iran signifies a failure of current and past diplomatic approaches to influence Iran. Curiously, the Islamic Revolution and the Iranian elections over the last decade indicate that support...
This thesis explores the Russian Federation‘s resurgence as a center of influence and the implications of this resurgence for United States European Command. This is accomplished by examining three countries within European Command‘s area of...
As operations in Afghanistan and Iraq demonstrate, America's adversaries are capable of manipulating domestic and international media with lies, distortion and propaganda disseminated via the internet or media outlets. The U.S. military's inability...
The Arab Spring has demonstrated the power and potential of social mobilization and collective action as a form of political warfare in support of unconventional warfare strategies. This power and potential is not isolated to the Arab Spring or to...
Ukrainian strategic policy decisions have a direct impact on US policy in Eastern Europe. Ukraine is often at the forefront of political tensions between the US, EU and Russia. The gas crisis of 2009 resulted in the cutoff of natural gas supplies...
On March 20, 2003, a United States led coalition invaded Iraq. The character of this conflict can be defined by the West’s ability to conduct precision strikes, to manoeuvre and to overwhelm the enemy’s command system. Emerging U.K. and U.S....
Irregular wars generate significant internal political debate over appropriate strategy and resource allocation, a function of the relative complexity and ambiguity of irregular wars. This study examines whether operational commanders in the...
We have all heard the saying the “Perception is Reality”. This statement is especially salient when discussing military operations in a post conflict environment. The implications of the perceptions of the local populace during the transition...
Most of those who comment on Iran's attempt to influence Iraqi Shia, do so without considering the historical and cultural connection between these two peoples. The research presented directs its attention to the Iranian motives and capabilities...
This study explored the role of the human spirit in interpersonal influence, It explored the Bible and other theological writings for insight on human spirituality, the potential for influence among people and the manner in which influence might...
Advancements in communications and technology have served as a nurturing womb for the birth and subsequent growth of the modern media. Although fledgling in comparison to the environment in which it exists, this being is exerting significant...
This thesis addresses the primary research question: Are the Balkans becoming a European sanctuary for radical Islamists. Research is focused on what are the factors that contribute in creation of favorable condition for radical Islamists in the...
In 742, a predominantly Turko-Mongolian steppe nomadic tribe known today as the Uyghurs migrated eastward from eastern Turkey towards the oases of modern-day Xinjiang province of China; they have remained there for the last 1,268 years. Throughout...
While western countries appear to be gradually turning their back to Africa and looking at the leaders of African countries with much criticism, China is stepping in to increase its involvement with many countries. More specifically, China is...
Central Asia has become the forefront of US and Chinese foreign policy since its independence in 1991. The US foreign policy toward Central Asia focuses on security, economics and energy and has not changed since its development in the mid...
The U.S. Army is on the brink of a revolution in military affairs (RMA). Significant advancements in informational technologies and precision warfare are providing unprecedented potential for future warfare. These changes challenge the...
Certain nations are growing unprecedented wealth from oil and gas revenue and large trade surpluses, and are investing at unprecedented levels in other countries via Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs). SWFs continue to increase rapidly in quantity, size...
The Ukrainian Army is in a transition period which requires flexible, adaptive leadership with a contemporary vision. The problem of improving unit effectiveness is now very topical, because old leadership does not correspond to modern requirements...